When you visit a brand new city or location, it can be hard to find your way around. However, if you spend your whole visit lost, you won’t get to do half the things you planned to. The best way to get the most out of a new location is to know the tips and tricks to get to where you want to go. Here’s our guide on how to do that.
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1. Use GPS
Back in the olden days, if we wanted directions then we had to look it up a roadmap in a book that we had to buy and leave in the car. This involved memorizing directions and stopping if we lost our way. These days, it is so much more convenient to do this on your smartphone. Some phones work better than others for this, so it’s a good idea to find the best smartphone for gps navigation. However, once you do, apps like Google Maps can help you navigate your way through a new city. You can even download maps for offline browsing if you know you won’t have a reliable data connection.
2. Find a Landmark
Many cities will have characteristic landmarks that can help you to navigate your way through the city without a map. If you know the general topography of the city you are visiting, then by taking a moment to look around every now and then, you’ll always know where you are. For example, in Vancouver, the mountains are a stunning backdrop to the city, and when looking towards them you know you are facing north. Similarly, if you know where you are relative to Central Park in New York, you can always find your way around.
3. Get a Feel for the Transit System
Most major cities will have a thriving public transport system which you can use to get places quickly. The subway systems in some cities, such as the one in New York or the MTR in Hong Kong, are truly world class. There’s no need to even memorize the layout of the city as long as you have a subway map, so if you plan your trip around attractions that you can get to buy the trains or busses, you won’t need anything else.
Taxis can be expensive, but there’s an alternative. Rideshare services operate extensively in a lot of cities and can be used by installing a smartphone app. Services like Uber and Lyft are very popular, and you can use the app in any city that supports the service. The fact that you can pay through the app makes it easier than having to carry lots of cash from different currencies with you, too.
When traveling to a new city, there’s no reason why you need to feel lost and confused. There are many options open to you for navigating a new place without difficulty, thanks to the internet, online maps, and some good traveling sense. We have outlined the best ways you can navigate in a new city so you can get the most out of your trip.
